A hidden gem from 1998
If you start training your own character, you'll find s/he has literally no moves at the start, except for simple kick and punch. You learn moves from the original characters by beating them. First, you'll learn a basic moveset, but then you can learn virtually all your favorite moves and combos from your favorite fighters. Some moves require you to beat the guy up to ten times, but luckily if you lose, you don't lose your winning streak, so if you want to learn, for example a very good move right at the start, you can beat the guy who has the move several times times, losing ten times in the progress. This way you can create the most powerful and versatile fighter there is. I have done it multiple times and it's so fun!
-Gameplay- 7pts
I'm afraid this is where the game is not that good. You'll find out that most throws are very difficult to execute, because you have to be right next to your opponent. Combos, on the other hand are mostly easy, and you can map the four action buttons for a few quick-keys, which makes throws, power-moves, and some combos a little easier. The game isn't as responsive and fast paced, as, say SoulCalibur, but remember, Dealy Arts was released in 1998.
-Graphics- 8pts
Is it just me or does this game have beautiful levels and nice looking, though cartoony, characters? I remember this game had a very good variety of interactive levels, where you could, for example crash walls for some extra space. I like it.
-Audio- 9pts
This game has some of the best ambient-new age tracks I have heard in any fighting game and the music always fits the atmosphere and the level. The characters themselves have a very good voice in my opinion, though, obiviously there is no voice acting. The sounds of crashing objects and fighting are excellent, In my opinion.
-Value- 9pts
There are five modes for a single player, Arcade, Tag Team Mode, Team Battle, Create-a-Fighter, and Practice.
Arcade is exactly what it sounds like, Team Battle is where you pick three fighters. You can change them at any time and you must beat the opposing team. Tag Team is like arcade, but sometimes if you beat someone, s/he will ask to join you. It's like Arcade and Team Battle combined. CaF I already explained, and in Practice you get to try your moves against a standing opponent, or you can choose to make him/her crouch, punch, or play normally, for example.
There is also a two-player VS, and Team Battle, if you want to play against your friend.
The Create-a-Fighter mode adds so much to this game, and when your character has learned enough moves, you can use him/her in other modes, like Arcade and Tag Team Mode, too! That is very cool. Nothing else to say about that.
-Tilt- 10pts
I think you should definitely check out this game if you are into Nintendo 64 and even if you aren't that much into fighting games. I used to borrow this game from my friend, but nowdays you can find it on ebay for virtually no cost at all, which makes it even more tempting. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, you'll need a Controller Pack to save your fighter and other data, but this game only takes a few pages.
My Score: 8.7 out of 10 (rounded to 9.0, because I think this excellent game deserves it)